DOI
10.1016/j.techfore.2009.03.002

Summary
The aim of this study is to contribute to the methodological basis of the technological innovation systems (TIS) approach. The current use of innovation systems has been identified as lacking adequate application to emerging systems. The study is supported by Edquist (2004) who recommends that to strengthen the theoretical basis, clear representations of systems functions is required and to integrate conceptual work with in-depth empirical studies. Taking these recommendations, the study analyses an empirical case and also puts forth a new method for operationalising cumulative causation in innovation systems: an event history analysis. Suurs & Hekkert use the case of biofuels in the Netherlands to drive the study.

The authors provide a theoretical background to biofuels TIS.

The methodology for evet history analysis is described in this study as follows:

Collect data from literature
Construct a data base
Mapping events to systems functions
Patterns of events
Trend patterns
Interaction patterns
Triangulation

The event history of the biofuels TIS is detailed in section 4 with reference to the TIS functions as the events are described.

The authors deliver their reflections in section 5. They highlight some of the key findings as (1) Lack of continuity – the lack of follow ups to entrepreneurial activities has played a role in hindering the continuity of the biofuels TIS. (2) The linear model of innovation – the sole focus of R&D at stages results in the neglect of other functions. (3) A controversy – political issues related to fossil fuels Vs 1G biofuels Vs 2G biofuels has caused concern for hindering the progress between entrepreneurs, developers and government policy. (4) Levels of government authority – EU incentives were received better by entrepreneurs as opposed to the Dutch government and Guidance of the Search, Resource Mobilisation, Market Formation and much of the Knowledge Development applicable to the entrepreneurs was provided by public authorities.

Relevance for Complex Systems Knowledge
This study contributes to the basis of TIS theory and energy systems. Its application to the furthering of higher education lies within its development of criticised aspects of the TIS approach. TIS is defined in this study as ‘a social network, constituted by actors and institutions, which is constructed around a specific technology’ and by ‘a TIS approach may focus on structures and their effects but it may also focus on the processes underlying the formation of the track of system functions as they unfold through time’.

Suuri and Hekkert provide a useful methodological approach to event history analysis and claim that future case studies can be assessed in a systemic manner with the list of TIS functions acting as a heuristic framework.

The tables 1, 2 and 3 provide a potentially valuable teaching resource for TIS functions, literature sources for this topic and system function/event type/description of the biofuels TIS.

Point of Strength
Marco P. Hekkert is a leading author on the TIS approach, making this study explicitly relevant to the field of study.

The method for event history analysis is described in this paper with clear steps as opposed to block text event analysis found in similar papers to this. Suuri and Hekkert describe its relevance and positive applications to future contributions to this theoretical framework.

The study as whole may provide valuable context to some TIS limitations in the existing literature, possibly opening the door for the replication of this study under a similar context using a different case study nation.